Skimming apparatus

ABSTRACT

A skimming apparatus with a pivot arm and a drive follower on the pivot arm that guides a belting to facilitate precise placement of the belting for efficient skimming.

BACKGROUND

This specification relates to material skimmers, and in particular fluidskimmers.

Often during industrial operations a first fluid becomes contaminatedwith a waste fluid. When the first fluid is of relatively high valuecompared to the waste fluid, a manufacturer will utilize a remediationprocess to separate the fluids. One such remediation process isskimming, and this particular process is used when the fluids areinsoluble and the waste fluid is of less density and lighter weight thanthe first fluid so that the waste fluid forms a layer on top of thefirst fluid.

For example, many industrial machines utilize coolant fluids tofacilitate particular machining and metal cutting operations and useseparate way lubes and hydraulic fluids to reduce machine wear. Toillustrate, machines such as mills, lathes and drills for example willutilize a coolant to cool cutting tools at the point of cut. The coolantis used to wet the surfaces and is drained into a receiving vessel, suchas a sump, and is recirculated. These cutting machines also utilize alubricating oil to lubricate the cutting machine parts. The lubricatingoils mixes in with the coolant and are also collected in the samereceiving tank. Due to the different densities and weights of thefluids, the lubricating oil forms a surface layer on top of the coolant.These coolants are more expensive than the lubricating oil and can beeasily recycled compared to lubricating oils. The presence of thelubricating oil, over time, reduces the life of the coolant. As aresult, manufacturers want to remove this contaminating lubricating oilfrom the coolant. There is also a presence of floating particulate,chips and other solid contaminates in the contaminating lubricating oil.One such way of removing the lubricating oil, commonly referred to as“tramp oil,” and other floating contaminates, is by the use of a skimmerthat introduces a driven belt with an affinity for the tramp oil on thesurface of coolant fluids. The tramp oil and many solid contaminates arethen carried away as the belt is driven to a scraper. The scraperscrapes the tramp oil from the belt, and the scraped oil and particulateis collected in a receiving vessel.

SUMMARY

In general, one innovative aspect of the subject matter described inthis specification can be embodied in an apparatus including a housingincluding a belt ingress and a belt egress and a drive apparatus inoperative alignment with the belt ingress and the belt egress; a pivotarm having first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis, the firstend pivotally connected to the housing by a pivot connection andoperable to pivot about a pivot axis of the pivot connection; a drivefollower in a tensioned slidable engagement with the second end thepivot arm so that the drive follower is in slidable disposition alongthe longitudinal axis of the pivot arm, the tensioned slidableengagement having an outward bias that causes the drive follower todispose outwardly from the second end of the pivot arm; an endless roundbelting in driving engagement with the driver follower and the driveapparatus through the belt ingress and the belt egress, the endlessround belting having a round cross section of a first diameter andhaving a lengthwise circumference that causes the endless round beltingto apply an opposite tension to the drive follower that acts against theoutward bias of the tensioned slidable engagement of the drive follower;and a first scraper connected to the housing and having an engagementsurface offset from the pivot axis and the belt ingress, the offset suchthat the engagement surface engages the endless round belting anddirects the endless round belting into the belt ingress forsubstantially an entire operable pivot range of the pivot arm about thepivot axis.

Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in thisspecification can be embodied in an apparatus including a housingincluding a housing including a belt ingress and a belt egress and adrive apparatus in operative alignment with the belt ingress and thebelt egress, the drive apparatus defining a drive plane; a pivot armhaving first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis, the first endpivotally connected to the housing by a pivot connection and operable topivot about a pivot axis of the pivot connection and over a range thatincludes the longitudinal axis of the pivot arm being substantiallyparallel to the drive plane to the longitudinal axis of the pivot arm tobeing substantially perpendicular to the drive plane; a drive followerin a tensioned slidable engagement with the second end the pivot arm sothat the drive follower is in slidable disposition along thelongitudinal axis of the pivot arm, the tensioned slidable engagementhaving an outward bias that causes the drive follower dispose outwardlyfrom the second end of the pivot arm; an endless round belting indriving engagement with the driver follower and the drive apparatusthrough the belt ingress and the belt egress, the endless round beltinghaving a round cross section of a first diameter and having a lengthwisecircumference that causes the endless round belting to apply an oppositetension to the drive follower that acts against the outward bias of thetensioned slidable engagement of the drive follower; a first scraperconnected to the housing and having an engagement surface offset fromthe pivot axis and the belt ingress, the offset such that the engagementsurface engages the endless round belting and directs the endless roundbelting into the belt ingress for substantially an entire operable pivotrange of the pivot arm about the pivot axis; and a second scraperforming a substantially circular interior aperture through which theendless round belting penetrates and that engages the outer surface ofthe endless round belting.

Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in thisspecification can be embodied in an apparatus including a housingincluding means for driving an endless round belting into the housingand out of the housing; a pivot arm having first and second endsdefining a longitudinal axis, the first end pivotally connected to thehousing by a pivot connection and operable to pivot about a pivot axisof the pivot connection and over a range that includes the longitudinalaxis of the pivot arm; a drive follower; means for tensioning the drivefollower in slidable engagement with the pivot arm in slidabledisposition along the longitudinal axis of the pivot arm and causing anoutward bias that causes the drive follower dispose outwardly from thesecond end of the pivot arm; an endless round belting in drivingengagement with the means for driving and the drive follower, theendless round belting having a round cross section of a first diameterand having a lengthwise circumference that causes the endless roundbelting to apply an opposite tension to the drive follower that actsagainst the outward bias of the tensioned slidable engagement of thedrive follower; and means for scraping the endless round belting, themeans for scraping including means for adjusting a scraping surface to adiameter that is tensioned matched to first diameter of the endlessround belting and during actuation of the means for driving matchesvariations of the first diameter of the endless round belting.

Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in thisspecification can be implemented so as to realize one or more of thefollowing advantages. The housing and baseplate unit can be used withouta specially designed receiving vessel and need not be clamped or rigidlyaffixed to a general purposes receiving vessel. For example, the housingand baseplate unit can be placed atop a five-gallon pail.

In implementations that use a drive wheel as a drive apparatus, a drivewheel with a diameter ratio in the range of 12:1-18:1 to the crosssectional diameter of the endless round belt allows for increasedpulling capability when using higher durometer elastomeric belts. Thesehigher durometers belts would otherwise induce high stresses with smallratio configurations. The higher diameter ratio also facilitate slightcompression of the endless round belt between the drive wheel and adrive aperture, which, in turn, allows for a gear motor with highertorque for use with a larger diameter wheel. Thus, the larger the wheel,the slower the motor RPM to produce the same output speed of aproportionately smaller wheel.

The drive aperture and the drive wheel are of such diameters that theendless round belt is compressed into the drive wheel during rotation.This allows for the use of stiffer, and more resilient, materials forthe endless round belting, which, in turn, leads to less binding. Inparticular, a higher durometer elastomeric round belting, either solidor hollow, can be used. Due to wall thickness of the hollow belting andsolid core belting of this particular belting material, the belt isresistance to mechanical forces and stresses such as elongation, weldbreakage, general wear and other mechanical failures that can occur. Inaddition to having an affinity for waste materials, such as tramp oil,hydrocarbons, fuels, or other lighter floating waste material, thebelting material has a wide temperature range over which it can operate.The material is also resistant to fluids that may have very aggressivechemical make ups.

The pivotal ration of the pivot arm allows for controlled and precisesubmersion of the drive follower and thus the endless round beltingduring transit. Floating fluids and oils are naturally attracted to anarea of surface interruption, and thus the pivot arm allows for theadvantage of a direct and controlled breaking the surface tension due tosubmersion of the entry side of the endless round belt. The exiting sideof the endless round belt breaks surface as well, and because the beltis submerged into the fluid to be remediated, the belt is wetted as ittransitions from the fluid layer of the remediation fluid into the fluidlayer of the waste fluid. The wetting improves affinity for wastefluids, such as oil and fuel. Furthermore, the entire diameter of thebelt is fully surrounded with waste, thus overcoming disadvantages ofsystems in which the skimming belt only floats on the surface of wastematerial.

The pivot arm and the drive follower that is in tensioned slidableengagement with the pivot arm can be extended to a variety of lengthsand planes to reach distances and depths. Because of the rigidity of thebelt under tension, the belt tends to not rub against other surfaces,such as walls of vessels from which fluid is being skimmed. This allowsfor precision placement of the belting, such as through small openings,while ensuring that the belting will not catch or bind on edges of theopening. Furthermore, because of the rigidity of the belting made fromhigher durometer elastomeric materials, there is relatively little beltstretching, which allows for a shorter length tensioning system to befully effective than would be required for softer, more elastic belts.

When a rigid belting is used, such as the higher durometer elastomericround belting, a tensioned scraper that has a scraping aperture thattension matches the cross sectional diameter of the higher durometerelastomeric round belting can be used. The tension scraper provides fora high degree of scraping, but also results in little wear to thebelting surface, thus extending the service life of the endless roundbelting.

A standoff scraper, in addition to the tensioned scraper, precludes thebelting from premature scraping against nearby receiving vessel walls,and also facilitates guiding of the belt through an entire operationalpivot range.

In some implementations, a receiving vessel includes a gravitydisplacement system that facilitates separation of fluids and substancesfor waste disposal and fluid remediation. The gravity displacementeliminates the need for volumetric or fluid level monitoring, andensures that the receiving vessel does not overflow. This, in turn,reduces clean-up costs associated with hazardous material spills.

The advantages listed above are not an exhaustive list of advantages.Furthermore, the advantages listed above are not required to be realizedin particular implementations of the subject matter described herein.

The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter describedin this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and thedescription below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of thesubject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings,and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a skimming apparatus with a pivot arm ata first pivot angle.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the skimming apparatus with a pivot armat a second angle.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the skimming apparatus mounted on apail.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a drive follower in tensioned slidableengagement with the pivot arm.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the belting within an area between a drivewheel and drive aperture.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of first and second scrapers and theirrelative dispositions during operation.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the skimming apparatus with a collectionreservoir and drain.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the skimming apparatus with a horizontaldrip pan.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the skimming apparatus in use with anextended pivot arm.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective views of the skimming apparatus in usein two different positions with respect to a sump.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the skimming apparatus in use with anelevated tank and an extended pivot arm.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicatelike elements. To avoid congestion in the drawings, certain numberedcallouts introduced in a particular drawing may be omitted in subsequentdrawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a skimming apparatus 10 with a pivot arm80 at a first pivot angle. The skimming apparatus 10 includes a housing30. The housing 30 has a belt ingress 32 and a belt egress 34, and adrive apparatus 20 in operative alignment with the belt ingress 32 andthe belt egress 34. In the implementation of FIG. 1, the drive apparatus20 is a drive wheel 20 and operates within a drive aperture 21. Thedrive wheel 20 defines a vertical plane in parallel alignment with theflat cross section of the drive wheel 20 such that tangents to thecircular shape of the drive wheel parallel to the plane. A variety ofappropriate materials may be used to construct the drive wheel 20. Forexample, the wheel 20 may be made of polypropylene, aluminum, steel, orother materials or combinations of materials.

A pivot arm 80 has a first end 82 and a second end 84 defining alongitudinal axis. The first end 82 is pivotally connected to thehousing 30 by a pivot connection 86 and is operable to pivot about apivot axis 87 of the pivot connection 86. A drive follower 90 is in atensioned slidable engagement by an extension 92 with the second end 84the pivot arm 80 so that the drive follower 90 is in slidabledisposition along the longitudinal axis of the pivot arm 80. Thetensioned slidable engagement has an outward bias that causes the drivefollower 90 to dispose outwardly from the second end 84 of the pivot arm80.

In the example implementation shown, the drive follower 90 is a wheel;however, other drive follower devices can be used, depending on thebelting 50 used. For example, the drive follower may be a smoothedsurfaced with a curved engagement area of sufficient radius that allowsthe belting 50 to traverse the surface and change the path direction by180 degrees without kinking or binding. Alternatively, a bearing surfaceof multiple recessed bearings may be used. Still other appropriatefollowers may be used. As with the drive wheel 20, the follower 90 canbe made from a variety of appropriate materials.

The belting 50 can be a flat belt or a round belt, depending on thedrive apparatus 20 and the drive follower 90 used. Whether flat orround, a variety of materials may be used for the belt. In someimplementations, a higher durometer elastomeric belting is used;however, other materials can be used for round belting. For illustrativepurposes, an endless round belting of higher durometer elastomeric isdescribed. However, other appropriate belts and drive configurations canbe used.

The belting 50 is in driving engagement with the driver follower 90 andthe drive apparatus 20 through the belt ingress 32 and the belt egress34. In implementations in which an endless round belting is used, theendless round belting 50 has a round cross section of a first diameterand has a lengthwise circumference that causes the endless round belting50 to apply an opposite tension to the drive follower 90. This oppositetension acts against the outward bias of the tensioned slidableengagement of the drive follower 90.

A first scraper 60 is connected to the housing 30 and has an engagementsurface 62 offset from the pivot axis 87 and the belt ingress 32. Theoffset is such that the engagement surface 62 engages the endless roundbelting 50 and directs the endless round belting 50 into the beltingress 32 for substantially an entire operable pivot range of the pivotarm 80 about the pivot axis 87. In some implementations, the operablepivot range of the pivot arm 80 is a first position in which thelongitudinal axis of the pivot arm 80 is substantially parallel to thedrive plane of the driving apparatus 20, e.g., substantially verticallydownward, as illustrated in FIG. 1, to a second position is which thelongitudinal axis of the pivot arm 80 substantially perpendicular to thedrive plane of the driving apparatus 20, e.g., substantiallyhorizontally outward, as illustrated by the extension line 81 in FIG. 2.As the belting 50 moves across the engagement surface 62, waste materialis scraped from the surface of the belting 50.

The skimming apparatus 10 also includes a second scraper 70. As will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 6 below, the second scraper is tensionmatched to the belting 50 and also removes waste material from thesurface of the belting 50.

Within the housing 30 is an electric gear driven motor (not shown) thatcan vary in speed for selected applications. The skimmer apparatus 10also includes a handle 36 for easy lift and transport.

The skimming apparatus 10 can also include a support mount 12 attachedto a bottom surface of the housing 30. The support mount 12 defines areceiving opening 14 through which material scraped from the firstscraper 60 and the second scraper 70 are received. The support mount 12has outer edges within which a top opening of a receiving vessel 100 canbe received.

The receiving vessel 100, in some implementations, includes a returndrop pipe 120 and has a first opening 122 substantially near a bottomsurface of an interior of the receiving vessel 100 and having a secondopening 124 at the top to prevent airlock and facilitate gravity return.The return drop pipe 120 also has another opening (not shown) below thesecond opening 124 and in communication with a side opening 102 in aside wall of the receiving vessel 100. The side opening 102 is below thereceiving opening 14 of the support mount 12 when the support mount 12receives the receiving vessel 100 and the second opening 124. A gravityreturn hose 130 is connected to the side opening 102 on an exterior ofthe receiving vessel.

The return drop pipe 120 and the location of the side opening 102 allowsfor gravity return of reclamation fluid. At the beginning of a skimmingoperation, the receiving vessel may be partially (or fully) filled withreclamation fluid (e.g., coolant). As waste fluid is scraped from thescrapers 60 and 70 and collected in the receiving vessel 100, the wastefluid displaces the reclamation fluid until the reclamation fluid flowsout of the second opening of the pipe 120, then through the side opening102 and into the gravity return hose 130. The gravity return hose isplaced over the surface being skimmed, so that the reclamation fluiddisplaced from the vessel 100 is collected in the vessel containing thefluid being skimmed. This results in near constant levels of fluid inboth vessels, and eliminates overflow of the receiving vessel 100. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 2, as waste fluid 210 is collected, thereclamation fluid 212 is displaced into the return drop pipe 120 andexits the gravity return hose, as indicted by the fluid path arrows 121and 131.

Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the receiving vessel 100 can include adrain valve 140 connected to a side wall of the receiving vessel 100 andpositioned approximately at a depth sufficient to drain only the scrapedliquid 210 that is of less density than a second liquid 212 from whichthe scraped liquid 210 is being separated, and to retain the secondliquid 212. Additionally, a straining basket 110 can be mounted belowthe receiving opening 14 of the support mount 12. The straining basket110 can be a straining material that passes liquid material receivedthrough the receiving opening 14, but that retains sufficiently sizedsolid materials 140, such as dirt, metal fines, shavings and chips,etc., received through the receiving opening.

The vessel 100 may be made of a variety of appropriate materials,ranging from steel vessels to clear polycarbonate vessels. The lattermay have fluid measured markings in increments to facilitate visualinspection for easily determining the amounts of each fluid and when toempty via the drain valve 140.

The support mount 12 may be of sufficient peripheral dimensions toaccommodate a variety of receiving vessels. For example, as shown inFIG. 3, a standard five gallon pail 220 can be used as a receivingvessel. The pail may optionally include a return drop pipe 120 and anexternal hose 130, which are shown in phantom, or can be used withoutthe return drop pipe 120 and hose 130.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of a drive follower 90 in tensioned slidableengagement with the pivot arm 80. In this example implementation, thesecond end 84 of the pivot arm 80 is a sleeve and within the sleeve atension spring 94 is inserted. The extension 92 is received in thesecond end 84 and is in tension against the tension spring 94 as thetension spring 94 applies an outward tension. The belting 50 is of anouter circumference so as to counteract the tension of the tensionspring 94. A variety of different lengths of the pivot arm 80 may bemade available to accommodate different belt lengths. Alternatively, thelength of the pivot arm 80 may be adjustable to accommodate differentsized belts.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the belting 50 within an area between adrive wheel 20 and drive aperture 21. The drive wheel 20 is disposedwithin the drive aperture 21. The diameter of the drive wheel 20 and thediameter of the drive aperture 21 are such that the endless roundbelting 50 engages both an outer surface 22 of the drive wheel 20 and aninner surface 23 of the drive aperture. For example, the difference ofthe diameters of the drive wheel 20 and the aperture 21 may, in someimplementations, be smaller than the cross sectional diameter of thebelting 50 so that the belting 50 is compresses between the outersurface 22 of the drive wheel 20 and the inner surface 23 of theperiphery 21.

The outer surface 22 of the drive wheel can include engagement surfaces25 to actively engage the endless round belting 50 to assist in pullingthe belting in the direction or rotation of the drive wheel 20. In someimplementations in which a single drive wheel 20 is used, the belting 50is compressed between the outer surface 22 of the drive wheel 20 and theinner surface 23 of the periphery 21 for approximately 180 degrees ofthe drive wheel. The combination of these engagement surfaces and thecompression produces a positive drive and eliminates the need foradditional wheels, guide pins or gears.

In some implementations, the ratio of the diameter of the drive wheel tofirst diameter of the endless round belting is within the range of 12:1to 18:1, or even larger. These ratios facilitate the use of higherdurometer elastomeric round belting. Smaller ratios with more flexiblebelting, however, can also be used.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view first scraper 60 and the second scraper 70 andtheir relative dispositions during operation. The first scraper 60 isangled extension with the engagement surface 62 in contact with thebelting 50. The position of the engagement surface 62 relative to thepivot axis 84 is such that the belting 50 is in contact with theengagement surface over the entire operable pivot range of the pivot arm80. The operable pivot range is, in some implementations, is a rangefrom a first position in which the longitudinal axis of the pivot arm 80is substantially parallel to the drive plane of the driving apparatus20, e.g., substantially vertically downward to a second position iswhich the longitudinal axis of the pivot arm 80 substantiallyperpendicular to the drive plane of the driving apparatus 20. However,other ranges can be used. For example, varying the position of theengagement surface 62 relative to the pivot axis may alter theoperational range.

The engagement surface 62 is in the form of a semi-circular recess thatreceives the belting 50. Other surfaces that serve to guide the belting50 can also be used. For example, the engagement surface 62 can be inthe form of an aperture the completely receives the belting 50.Alternatively, the engagement surface 62 can be in the form of arectangular recess that receives the belting 50 but allows forside-to-side play when guiding the belting into the second scraper 70 orinto the belt ingress 32 if a second scraper 70 is not used.

The first scraper 60 may include a flange extension 64 with a mountingbend 66 for mounting on the housing 30. This allows waste fluid 210scraped from the scraper engagement surface 62 to traverse the bottom ofthe angled extension, and waste fluid scraped from the scraper 70 tofall and traverse the top surface of the angled extension withoutcollecting where the scraper attaches to the housing 30.

In some implementations, the second scraper 70 is proximate to the firstscraper 60 so that skimmed material scrapped from the second scraper 70discharges onto the top surface of the angled extension. In someimplementations, the second scraper 70 defines a fixed aperture diameterslightly undersized to the outer diameter of the belting 50, and isattached to the housing. As the belting 50 traverses through theaperture, waste material is scraped from the belting 60.

In other implementations, the second scraper 70 has an adjustableaperture 72 that is adjusted so that it is undersized to the diameter ofthe belting 50 and, by use of a tensioning device, is tension matched tothe outer diameter of the belting 50. The second scraper 70 can be twocircular halves that are connected by a hinge 74, and a tensionedadjuster 76, such as a screw with an assisting spring, adjusts theadjustable second diameter. The tensioned adjuster 76 tends to pull thetwo circular halves together. Thus, as the round belting penetrates theinterior aperture 72, and the adjustable second diameter is adjustableto a diameter that is slightly undersized to the outer diameter of thebelting 50 so that it becomes tensioned matched to diameter of thebelting 50 during operation. As used here, the term “tension matched”means that the circular halves pull together to follow the outerdiameter of the belting 50. The belting 50 may, as a result, be slightlycompressed as it engages the surfaces of the interior aperture. Thetensioned adjuster 76 allows for the adjustable second diameter toadjust and thereby match variations of the first diameter of the roundbelting. This results in more efficient scraping of the belting 50 thana static aperture scraper, and also reduces wear on the belting 50.

In some implementations, the second scraper 70 with the adjustableaperture 72 and the tensioned adjuster 76 can be affixed to the belting60 between the engagement surface 62 and the belt ingress 32, and is notattached to the housing 30. When the drive apparatus 20 pulls thebelting 50 inward, the second scraper 70, attached to the belting 50,abuts the surface of the housing 30. Alternatively, the second scraper70 with the adjustable aperture 70 and the tensioned adjuster 76 can beattached to the housing.

The second scraper 70 also tends to apply resistance against the driveapparatus 20, which causes the belting 50 to better engage the driveapparatus 20. In the case of the drive wheel being the drive apparatus20, for example, the resistance causes the belting 50 to seat into awheel groove of the drive wheel.

Returning now to FIG. 1, the skimming apparatus 10 can also include atensioned disengagement pin 40 proximate to the belt egress 34. Thedisengagement pin 40 is positioned to have its longitudinal axissubstantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the belt egress 34.The tensioned disengagement pin 40 in tensioned contact with the outersurface 22 of the drive wheel 20 to facilitate disengagement of thebelting 50 from the outer surface 22 of the drive wheel 20 to follow thelongitudinal axis of the belt egress 34.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the skimming apparatus 30 with acollection reservoir 250 and drain hose 260. In this implementation, thehousing 30 includes a vertical mount plate 270 to facilitate mounting onthe edge of a vessel or chamber, such as a sump. The mounting plate isoptional. The reservoir 250 catches scraped fluids, and the drain hose260 directs the fluid collected in the reservoir to a vessel of theuser's choice.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the skimming apparatus 10 with ahorizontal drip pan 300. The drip pan 300 return dripping oils back tosource vessel, reservoir or fluid body without spilling the waste fluidsand substances on clean surfaces during the extraction process. The drippan, in some implementations, facilities use of the skimming apparatuswhen horizontal access to the vessel is desired.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the skimming apparatus 10 in use with anextended pivot arm. The pivot arm may come in various lengths, eachaccommodating particular applications. FIG. 9 also illustrates how theskimming apparatus 10 can skim from a sump 400 with a limited accessvent 402 with the belting rubbing against the sides of the vent 402.This results in more efficient skimming than when a floating belt or aweighted belt is used.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective views of the skimming apparatus 10 inuse in two different positions with respect to a sump 500. In the firstposition of 10A, the skimming apparatus has a pivot arm that is longerthan the pivot arm of the skimming apparatus 10 of FIG. 10B.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the skimming apparatus in use with anelevated tank 600 and an extended pivot arm. FIG. 11 illustrates thatthe pivot arm of the skimming apparatus 10 may be of such lengths topenetrate tank depths of 6-10 feet, or even more.

FIGS. 8-11 illustrate the versatility of the skimming apparatus 30 andits ability to providing skimming for a variety of difficult to reachvessels with limited access.

The examples of certain features above are illustrative and the subjectmatter is not limited to the examples above. The drive apparatus 20, forexample, may be implemented using other diving systems. The driveapparatus may be two or more drive wheels; or may any other drivingmechanism that facilities pulling the belting 50 through the beltingress 21 and out the belt egress 34.

Other tension systems can also be used to tension the drive follower 90.For example, a static tensions system in which the drive follower 90 ismanually pushed against the belting 50 and then locked into place in thepivot arm 80, e.g., by a locking screw, can be used.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details,these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of anyinventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions offeatures specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions.The dimensions described and/or shown are illustrative, and dimensionsmay vary from those described and/or shown.

The embodiments described herein are examples of structures, systems ormethods having elements corresponding to the elements of the inventionrecited in the claims. This written description may enable those ofordinary skill in the art to make and use embodiments having alternativeelements that likewise correspond to the elements of the inventionreceived in the claims. The intended scope of the invention thusincludes other structures, systems or methods that do not differ fromthe literal language of the claims, and further includes otherstructures, systems or methods with insubstantial differences from theliteral language of the claims.

Certain features that are described in this specification in the contextof separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in asingle embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described inthe context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multipleembodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover,although features may be described above as acting in certaincombinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more featuresfrom a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from thecombination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asubcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Otherembodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a housing including abelt ingress and a belt egress and a drive apparatus in operativealignment with the belt ingress and the belt egress; a pivot arm havingfirst and second ends defining a longitudinal axis, the first endpivotally connected to the housing by a pivot connection and operable topivot about a pivot axis of the pivot connection; a drive follower in atensioned slidable engagement with the second end the pivot arm so thatthe drive follower is in slidable disposition along the longitudinalaxis of the pivot arm, the tensioned slidable engagement having anoutward bias that causes the drive follower to dispose outwardly fromthe second end of the pivot arm; an endless round belting in drivingengagement with the driver follower and the drive apparatus through thebelt ingress and the belt egress, the endless round belting having around cross section of a first diameter and having a lengthwisecircumference that causes the endless round belting to apply an oppositetension to the drive follower that acts against the outward bias of thetensioned slidable engagement of the drive follower; a first scraperconnected to the housing and having an engagement surface offset fromthe pivot axis and the belt ingress, the offset such that the engagementsurface engages the endless round belting and directs the endless roundbelting into the belt ingress for substantially an entire operable pivotrange of the pivot arm about the pivot axis; and a second scraperforming a substantially circular interior aperture having an adjustablesecond diameter and including a tensioned adjuster that adjusts theadjustable second diameter, wherein the endless round belting penetratesinterior aperture, and the adjustable second diameter is adjustable to adiameter that is tensioned matched to first diameter of the endlessround belting and during actuation of the drive apparatus the tensionedadjuster allows for the adjustable second diameter to adjust to matchvariations of the first diameter of the endless round belting.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein: the first scraper comprises an angledextension having a first end connected to the housing and the second endcomprising the engagement surface; and the second scraper is proximateto the first scraper so that skimmed material scrapped from the secondscraper discharges onto a top surface of the angled extension.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 2, wherein the drive apparatus comprises a drivewheel having a third diameter and disposed within a drive aperturehaving a fourth diameter that is larger than the third diameter, andwherein the difference of the fourth diameter and the third diameter issuch that the endless round belting engages both an outer surface of thedrive wheel and an inner surface of the drive aperture.
 4. The apparatusof claim 3, wherein the drive wheel is disposed along a plane that issubstantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the pivot arm whenthe pivot arm is at a first end of the operable pivot range and issubstantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pivot armwhen the pivot arm is at a second end of the operable pivot range. 5.The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the ratio of the third diameter of thedrive wheel to the first diameter of the endless round belting is withinthe range of 12:1 to 18:1.
 6. The apparatus of claim 3, furthercomprising a tensioned disengagement pin proximate to the belt egressand positioned to have its longitudinal axis substantially parallel to alongitudinal axis of the belt egress, the tensioned disengagement pin intensioned contact with the outer surface of the drive wheel tofacilitate disengagement of the endless round belting from the outersurface of the drive wheel to follow the longitudinal axis of the beltegress.
 7. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a support mountattached to a bottom surface of the housing, the support mount defininga receiving opening within the support mount through which materialscraped from the first scraper and the second scraper are received, thesupport mount defining outer edges within which a top opening of areceiving vessel can be received.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, furthercomprising: a receiving vessel having a top opening configured to bereceived within the outer edges of the support mount and within whichmaterial received through the receiving opening are collected; areceiving vessel return drop pipe having a first opening substantiallynear a bottom surface of an interior of the receiving vessel and havinga second opening in communication with a side opening in a side wall ofthe receiving vessel, the side opening being below the receiving openingof the support mount when the support mount receives the receivingvessel; and a gravity return hose connected to the side opening on anexterior of the receiving vessel.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, furthercomprising: a drain valve connected to a side wall of the receivingvessel and position approximately at a depth sufficient to drain onlyscraped material of liquid that is of less density than a second liquidfrom which the scraped material of liquid is being separated, and toretain the second liquid.
 10. The apparatus of claim 7, furthercomprising: a straining basket mounted below the receiving opening ofthe support mount and comprising a straining material that passes liquidmaterial received through the receiving opening, and that retains solidmaterial received through the receiving opening.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the endless round belting is an elastomeric roundbelting.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the drive followercomprises a pulley wheel that engages the elastomeric round belting. 13.An apparatus, comprising: a housing including a belt ingress and a beltegress and a drive apparatus in operative alignment with the beltingress and the belt egress; a pivot arm having first and second endsdefining a longitudinal axis, the first end pivotally connected to thehousing by a pivot connection and operable to pivot about a pivot axisof the pivot connection; a drive follower in a tensioned slidableengagement with the second end the pivot arm so that the drive followeris in slidable disposition along the longitudinal axis of the pivot arm,the tensioned slidable engagement having an outward bias that causes thedrive follower to dispose outwardly from the second end of the pivotarm; an endless round belting in driving engagement with the driverfollower and the drive apparatus through the belt ingress and the beltegress, the endless round belting having a round cross section of afirst diameter and having a lengthwise circumference that causes theendless round belting to apply an opposite tension to the drive followerthat acts against the outward bias of the tensioned slidable engagementof the drive follower; a first scraper connected to the housing andhaving an engagement surface offset from the pivot axis and the beltingress, the offset such that the engagement surface engages the endlessround belting and directs the endless round belting into the beltingress for substantially an entire operable pivot range of the pivotarm about the pivot axis; wherein the drive apparatus comprises a drivewheel having a third diameter and disposed within a drive aperturehaving a fourth diameter that is larger than the third diameter, andwherein the difference of the fourth diameter and the third diameter issuch that the endless round belting engages both an outer surface of thedrive wheel and an inner surface of the drive aperture.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 13, wherein the drive wheel is disposed along a planethat is substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the pivotarm when the pivot arm is at a first end of the operable pivot range andis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pivot armwhen the pivot arm is at a second end of the operable pivot range. 15.An apparatus, comprising: a housing including a belt ingress and a beltegress and a drive apparatus in operative alignment with the beltingress and the belt egress, the drive apparatus defining a drive plane;a pivot arm having first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis,the first end pivotally connected to the housing by a pivot connectionand operable to pivot about a pivot axis of the pivot connection andover a range that includes the longitudinal axis of the pivot arm beingsubstantially parallel to the drive plane to the longitudinal axis ofthe pivot arm to being substantially perpendicular to the drive plane; adrive follower in a tensioned slidable engagement with the second endthe pivot arm so that the drive follower is in slidable dispositionalong the longitudinal axis of the pivot arm, the tensioned slidableengagement having an outward bias that causes the drive follower disposeoutwardly from the second end of the pivot arm; an endless round beltingin driving engagement with the driver follower and the drive apparatusthrough the belt ingress and the belt egress, the endless round beltinghaving a round cross section of a first diameter and having a lengthwisecircumference that causes the endless round belting to apply an oppositetension to the drive follower that acts against the outward bias of thetensioned slidable engagement of the drive follower; a first scraperconnected to the housing and having an engagement surface offset fromthe pivot axis and the belt ingress, the offset such that the engagementsurface engages the endless round belting and directs the endless roundbelting into the belt ingress for substantially an entire operable pivotrange of the pivot arm about the pivot axis; and a second scraperforming a substantially circular interior aperture through which theendless round belting penetrates and that engages the outer surface ofthe endless round belting, wherein the second scraper has an adjustablesecond diameter and includes a tensioned adjuster that adjusts theadjustable second diameter, wherein the adjustable second diameter isadjustable to a diameter that is tensioned matched to first diameter ofthe endless round belting and during actuation of the drive apparatusthe tensioned adjuster allows for the adjustable second diameter toadjust to match variations of the first diameter of the endless roundbelting.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a supportmount attached to a bottom surface of the housing, the support mountdefining a receiving opening within the support mount through whichmaterial scraped from the first scraper and the second scraper arereceived, the support mount defining an outer edges within which a topopening of a receiving vessel can be received.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 16, further comprising: a receiving vessel having a top openingconfigured to be received within the outer edges of the support mountand within which material received through the receiving opening arecollected; a receiving vessel return drop pipe having a first openingsubstantially near a bottom surface of an interior of the receivingvessel and having a second opening in communication with a side openingin a side wall of the receiving vessel, the side opening being below thereceiving opening of the support mount when the support mount receivesthe receiving vessel; and a gravity return hose connected to the sideopening on an exterior of the receiving vessel.
 18. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the endless round belting is an elastomeric roundbelting.
 19. An apparatus, comprising: a housing including means fordriving an endless round belting into the housing and out of thehousing; a pivot arm having first and second ends defining alongitudinal axis, the first end pivotally connected to the housing by apivot connection and operable to pivot about a pivot axis of the pivotconnection and over a range that includes the longitudinal axis of thepivot arm; a drive follower; means for tensioning the drive follower inslidable engagement with the pivot arm in slidable disposition along thelongitudinal axis of the pivot arm and causing an outward bias thatcauses the drive follower dispose outwardly from the second end of thepivot arm; an endless round belting in driving engagement with the meansfor driving and the drive follower, the endless round belting having around cross section of a first diameter and having a lengthwisecircumference that causes the endless round belting to apply an oppositetension to the drive follower that acts against the outward bias of thetensioned slidable engagement of the drive follower; and means forscraping the endless round belting, the means for scraping includingmeans for adjusting a scraping surface to a diameter that is tensionedmatched to first diameter of the endless round belting and duringactuation of the means for driving matches variations of the firstdiameter of the endless round belting.